According to the District Court in Waterford, 26-year-old Damien Myles was sentenced last week to an additional 16 months in prison for a series of retail theft offences committed across the city between 2023 and 2026, adding to an extensive criminal record primarily compiled in the UK.
The Scope of Waterford Retail Thefts
Court records detail a pattern of thefts spanning multiple commercial premises in Waterford. Myles, with addresses listed at 113 Kilcohen Park in Waterford and 27 Beckett Street in Manchester, pleaded guilty to multiple charges involving retail theft and drug possession.
According to the evidence presented in court, the stolen goods included:
- Jewellery valued at €115 stolen from Carraig Donn in the City Square Shopping Centre.
- Alcohol valued at €342 taken from Reddy’s Off-Licence in Ballybricken.
- Products valued at €23.20 stolen from Walsh’s Petrol Station.
- Bottles of alcohol valued at €74 taken from Centra on John Street.
- An electric toothbrush and an electric shaver with a combined value of €91 stolen from Homesavers.
In addition to the retail thefts, Myles also pleaded guilty to the possession of cannabis in the Convent Hill area of the city, which occurred in February of this year, according to court proceedings.
Did you know?
The District Court proceedings noted that Damien Myles holds 71 previous convictions, with 55 of those specifically for theft offences mostly committed in the UK.
Prior Convictions and Circuit Court Robbery Sentence
The 16-month District Court sentence follows a separate, more severe sentence handed down recently by the Circuit Criminal Court. According to court reports, Myles received a three-year prison sentence for a robbery committed at a Londis store in St. John’s Park.
During the Londis incident, Myles pointed a knife at the cashier before fleeing with approximately €280 in cash. Out of his 71 previous convictions, the majority stem from jurisdictions in the United Kingdom.
The newly imposed 16-month sentence for the string of retail thefts will be backdated to the date he entered custody in February of this year, according to the presiding judge’s ruling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total prison sentence handed down to Damien Myles?
Myles received a 16-month prison sentence in the District Court for multiple retail thefts, which follows a separate three-year prison sentence handed down by the Circuit Criminal Court for a robbery.
Where did the retail thefts take place in Waterford?
According to court charges, the thefts occurred at Carraig Donn in City Square Shopping Centre, Reddy’s Off-Licence in Ballybricken, Walsh’s Petrol Station, Centra on John Street, and Homesavers.
When does the 16-month sentence begin?
The District Court judge ordered that the 16-month sentence be backdated to February of this year, when Myles first entered custody.
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